So you want to install an accessory on your kayak but you are scared to drill the hole...


This is not as big a deal as you think it is.

The biggest problem you are going to encounter is you will install something, get it out on the water and realize you wish you had put it someplace else. I am going to tell you how to avoid this problem and I am also going to tell you how to deal with it.

First of all before you install anything, place it on your kayak where you think you want it and stick it to the yak with some silicon. It will peel right up but it will also stay in place for a little while (as long as you don't put any weight or stress on it) so you can take it out for a paddle and see how you like it.
Paddle around for awhile, go thru the motions of fishing and paddling and see if it works where you have placed it.

If you don't listen to that advice and realize you don't have an accessory installed where you really want it, the go ahead and remove it. As long as the holes you have drilled are small (a couple of rivit holes usually) then you can just goop over them, spread it smooth and you are fine. If you don't like that you can weld them too. Here is a video on that:


If you have a bigger hole you can do a plastic weld and fix that too it just takes more material. I have used pickle buckets with a lot of success.

Now that you have determined exactly where you want your accessory to go, put it in place and mark the holes you will have to drill. Pre-drill using a bit that is the same size as your rivit or nut.
Put a little goop on the hole, install the accessory, rivit or bolt it down, then put a little more goop on top of it.

There really is nothing to be afraid of.
If you are in the metroplex and still scared though contact me and I'll give you hand. I've outfitted about 30 of my own kayaks so far, going back to the days when an angler addtion kayak didn't exsist and you had to do everything to it.

Like that mini iron forgot what's it called. I'll be using that type of iron along with a house iron in my Wood, Fabrics, & Finishes class

Good advice Mr.

Great advice MR. that is why we do not bring in "angler" versions from our manufacturers unless the customer insists. The factory will install the rod holder and rocket launchers where "they" think they should be. We stock the identical products which can result in well more than a 50% savings than the premium angler upgrade price.

Our recommendation to our customers is to decide what items you plan to install and then take the boat out a few times to confirm placement while you are on the water reaching around in a real life scenario. An inch or so off in placement can make a huge difference and inconvenience on the water as opposed to what looks good on the stand. As was said, you can mark with tape or just take a Sharpie out with you and mark the exact spot with a dot. Sure, accessories can always be moved, but, why should one drill any more holes than necessary?